Valentine's Day aphrodisiac foods and supplements

Casanova reputedly ate 50 raw oysters every morning to provide him with the stamina that he needed! Oysters are a popular aphrodisiac; they are very nutritious and packed with vitamins and minerals. They are low in fat, rich in protein and high in zinc, which is important for male sex drive.

If oysters are not to your taste, let's have a lighthearted look at some other aphrodisiac foods, herbs and supplements:

Aniseed - Used since ancient Greek and Roman times, aniseed is very versatile and the seeds are said to increase desire.

Artichoke - The French believed this vegetable 'heats-up' those who ate it!

Asparagus - Contains plenty of vitamins A and C and is a great stimulant. Steam it and eat it whole.

Avocado - The Aztecs called this ahucati, which means testicle. Priests once forbade their parishioners from eating it.

Bananas - Contains B vitamins and potassium, both of which are needed for the production of sex hormones.

Basil - Said to increase fertility and help with libido.

Cardamom - The seeds contain two androgens - hormones that increase desire in men. Also contains cineole, which is said to stimulate the central nervous system.

Celery - The Romans dedicated celery to Pluto, their 'God of Sex'. Celery has a long history as an aphrodisiac. It's wonderful for the muscles and for blood circulation due to its many vitamins and minerals, which also help to reduce cholesterol.

Chickpeas - The Romans fed these to their stallions and chickpeas are considered to be an especially strong aphrodisiac for men.

Chocolate - Contains chemicals thought to affect the neurotransmitters in the brain. Casanova apparently ate lots of chocolate, but it's considered to be so powerful an aphrodisiac that some monasteries in past times banned the eating of it. Make it a dark chocolate, with over 70% cocoa solids, and you will get even more of those sexy chemicals.

Chilli - A great source of vitamin C. Chillies stimulate circulation and contain capsaicin, known to induce a temporary high.

Coriander - Said to have cured a merchant's 40-year impotency in the Book of Arabian Nights, whilst it is also said to have a euphoric effect on women.

Fennel - Increases desire and is also said to be good for the milk of nursing mothers.

Figs - Said to be a powerful sexual stimulant. It is one of the oldest known plants. Ancient Greeks considered it a sacred food and associated it with fertility.

Ginger - Considered to be the equivalent of Viagra in food terms. Ginger stimulates the circulation of blood throughout the body. Use in moderation - a little can result in pleasant warmth, whilst too much can irritate the bowels!

Ginseng - A Chinese plant extract and powerful hormonal stimulant that can increase the desire for physical contact. More importantly, ginseng can help people reach top physical condition and performance and increase vitality.

Honey - In Medieval times, honey was used to make Mead, which was drunk by newlyweds to sweeten their marriage - hence the term 'honeymoon'. The Egyptians made potions from honey in an attempt to cure impotence and sterility.  Manuka honey is particularly good.

Liquorice - Has its roots in ancient Chinese medicine and its essence is far sweeter than sugar. Women are said to find liquorice particularly stimulating and chewing on its root is said to augment one's 'lust'. Deglycyrrhised Liquorice can be helpful for adrenal glands.

Mustard - Stimulates the sexual glands, which consequently increases desire. Men in the Middle Ages used to rub a mustard-based paste into their intimate parts which increased the flow of blood - unfortunately it also stung a little! The Bible says mustard is 'the greatest amongst herbs'.

Onions - Beneficial to one's health and similar to garlic in their nutritional properties. Good for the blood, onions were eaten by the Romans who swore by their powers for generating energy.

Oregano - Acts as a wonderful agent when infused with other foods and other aphrodisiacs in particular.

Pine Nuts - Rich in zinc. A lack of zinc is thought to cause impotence and infertility in men. They have been used over the centuries to create love potions. They are also a great brain food.

Radish - The spiciness is said to be the reason behind its reputation as an aphrodisiac. Radishes were said to be popular with the Pharaohs in ancient Egypt.

Rosemary - Stimulates the nerve centres and boosts the circulation of blood. Improves memory.

Saffron - Stimulates the erogenous zones. Excessive consumption is said to incur uncontrollable laughter!

Thyme - A powerful cleanser for the body and, like rosemary, stimulates the nerves.

Truffles - Napoleon's favourite food and long considered an aphrodisiac. They are quite rare but rich in minerals, stimulate positive feelings and are said to invigorate and excite.

Vanilla - The odour and flavour is said to cause an increase in desire and stimulate euphoria.

Wine - A couple of glasses may have an aphrodisiac effect and loosen inhibitions. Too much will have the opposite effect of that desired.

Nutritional supplements for a fulfilling love-life!

Some supplements have been shown to have a great effect on the libido.

First of all, take a good quality multivitamin and mineral supplement daily, together with some omega 3 fish or flaxseed oil.

Then, have a look at these:

Catuaba

Damiana

Muirapuama

St John's Wort

Ginkgo Biloba

Catuaba is, amongst other things, a sexual stimulant which has been, maybe for thousands of years, the most loved and respected herb for men in that nation of passionate lovers - Brazil!

Use Catuaba for:

• Sexual impotency, sexual weakness

• Insomnia

• Exhaustion and fatigue

• Nervous debility, agitation, neurasthenia, poor memory

• Pain related to the central nervous system

Catuaba is made from the bark of a powerful tree from the Amazon. The tea is often used as a relaxant of involuntary muscle, and a calmer of the mood. Increased blood flow and the release of both mental and physical tension are often important steps in the re-awakening and maintenance of sexual potency in men.

Damiana Tea

Known to Europeans as a libido booster, a cup of Damiana tea can certainly put you in the mood, but Damiana is also useful as a mild anti-depressant and stress beater. Popular with executives and those with hectic lifestyles.

The fragrant leaves of Damiana are known across South America, the Caribbean and Mexico.

The volatile oils of Damiana trigger a more positive frame of mind, and the tea is also used as a loving cup.

Muirapuama contains sitosterols, which stimulates the sexual response in both men and women.

Use Muirapuama for:

• Sexual tonic for both men and women

• Improve libido and the ability to attain climax

• Erectile dysfunction

• Impotence

• General tonic for the nervous system

• Exhaustion, anxiety and depression

• Premenstrual syndrome

• Menstrual cramps

Some years ago, the Brazilian Government researched 120 local remedies that were in use as aphrodisiacs. Muirapuama was one of only three (along with Catuaba and Damiana) that were recommended for further research.

Scientists are unsure how Muirapuama works, but it is thought to stimulate sexual desire both psychologically and physically, through a direct action on the brain chemicals (dopamine, noradrenalin and serotonin). It also appears to boost production of sex hormones, and to excite the nerve endings in the genital area.

Muirapuama is a small tree or bush with pretty white flowers and a delightful fragrance similar to jasmine. Muirapuama is widely used by the natives of both the Amazon and the Orinoco basins to enhance sexual desire in both men and women, and to combat impotence.

St John's Wort is used to help:

• Depression

• Anxiety and nervous tension

• Insomnia (especially when linked to depression)

• Viral infections

• Bacterial infections

These conditions can dramatically decrease libido.

Ginkgo Biloba helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to all parts of the body.